People of all ages are being urged to join Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT) when it hosts an all day BioBlitz event at its Fine Foundation Chesil Beach Centre on Sunday 25th June. This is a large-scale wildlife survey of Chesil Beach and the Fleet Lagoon, with activities and events running from 8am to 5pm.

Chesil will be a hub of activity as staff, volunteers and members of the public embark on various walks to look for, identify and record as much wildlife as possible. Things to look out for at on the beach include little terns, the little egret and the ringed plover. There will also be the chance to go on a plant walk to see species such as birds- foot-trefoil, kidney vetch and herb robert.

A rock pool activity will allow visitors to try and find marine creatures such as shore crabs and edible crabs. There will be opportunities to search for and identify other exciting wildlife including butterflies, moths and minibeasts, with wildlife specialists on hand throughout the day to offer their expertise.

DWT community engagement trainee Nicola Whitehead said: “The Great Chesil BioBlitz is a fantastic way for people to learn about all the exciting wildlife that we have at Chesil. Everyone is invited to come and join us to take part in the various walks, activities and wildlife identification that will be going on during the event. This is a really great way to connect with the natural world and get to know just what wonderful wildlife we have locally.”

Kidney vetch on Chesil

The meeting point for the BioBlitz will be the Chesil Beach Centre, Portland Beach Road, Portland, Dorset, DT4 9XE. Entry to the event is free with no need to book. Please note that children must be accompanied by an adult and there is a pay and display car park at the Chesil Centre.

To find out more information on the Great Chesil BioBlitz, please contact the Chesil Beach Centre on 01305 206191 or email nwhitehead@dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk.